Abstract: A blocking member provides for selective restriction of a passageway on a membrane of a musical drum to adjust an audio output from the musical drum. The blocking member may be rotationally affixed to the musical drum or may be temporarily positioned thereon. Various configurations are disclosed including blocking members having passageways therethrough and sets of blocking members with each blocking member in the set having a unique characteristic. Adjustment assemblies of the present invention preferably only contact the membrane of the musical drum and not the body of the musical drum. This arrangement provides for the musical drum to retain the vibratory qualities of the membrane while controlling an intensity and duration of that vibration.

Abstract: An acoustic drum or electronic percussion instrument is constructed by a drumhead corresponding to a punching sheet on which plenty of apertures are formed and a cylinder covered with the drumhead being stretched under tension as well as a muting structure which is realized by a vibration absorption member and a support structure containing L-shaped support members and a support plate. Herein, the support members are detachably attached to an interior periphery of the cylinder to support the support plate, on which the vibration absorption member is mounted and is arranged in contact with a backside surface of the drumhead to absorb vibration of the drumhead whose surface is being struck by a drumstick or else. Using the muting structure, it is possible to actualize mute performance in which drum sounds are being muted by reduction of the vibration of the drumhead propagating into the air.

Abstract: A sound attenuating drum head that has a support ring, a synthetic membrane carried by the ring, a localized thin coating on the membrane, and acting to attenuate vibration of the head, when struck, that coating confined on a mid-region of the head.

Abstract: A sound attenuating drum head that comprises a support ring, a synthetic membrane carried by the ring, a localized thin coating on the membrane, and acting to attenuate vibration of the head, when struck, that coating confined on a mid-region of the head.

Abstract: Skins are stretched over circular apertures of a composite shell, and are fastened to the composite shell, wherein the composite shell has a monolithic woody cylindrical member and metallic bars embedded in the monolithic woody cylindrical member in such a manner as to be exposed to the end surfaces thereof so that the vibrating skins concurrently give rise to vibrations in the monolithic woody cylindrical member and the metallic bars for producing new beat sound between the beat sound produced through a woody shell and the beat sound produced through a metallic shell.

Abstract: A drum head material is prepared by assembling a multi-layer laminate comprising upper and lower sheets of resilient, polymeric film and at least two oriented fiber layers positioned between said sheets. Each of the oriented fiber layers comprises parallel resilient fibers having high modulus of elasticity and a defined direction of orientation. The layers are positioned such that the directions of orientation of the two layers intersect. The layers are pressed to adhere them and form a drumhead membrane. In the preferred form, the films are of polyethylene terephthalate and the fibers are of polyaramid. If two fiber layers are employed, the fibers in the layers preferably intersect at right angles. If three layers of fibers are employed, the fibers preferably intersect at an angle of 60 degrees.

Abstract: A drumhead lamination comprising upper and lower layers of synthetic plastic sheet materials and a layer of impregnated polyester or natural fabric sheet material sandwiched in between the systhetic plastic layers. A substance employed to impregnate the fabric, typically a liquid resin, causes the fabric to harden and stiffen to enable it to vibrate synergistically in concert with the vibrating synthetic plastic layers when the drumhead is struck by a drumstick or a similarly hard object. Laminating adhesive is used to bond the layer together. Epoxy or a similar substance is applied to the top and bottom exposed surfaces of the drumhead as a protective coating.

Abstract: A practice percussion assembly in the form of a practice drum kit is provided. The assembly includes a main member having a main surface made of a first percussion material and at least one subordinate, preferably smaller, member having a subordinate surface of a second material different from the first percussion material. The smaller subordinate member is mountable to the base member. The second percussion material produces a different sound when struck than the first percussion material. The subordinate member preferably has an angled back wall formed at an angle to a primary plane of the subordinate percussion member. The angled back wall engages a side wall of the main member to be able to maintain the subordinate member at an angle to the main member to simulate the layout of a real drum set.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a percussion detecting apparatus, which is excellent in percussion feeling, and the percussion sounds of which are very small, in electronic percussion instrumental system. The percussion detecting apparatus is provided with a head prepared from a net-like raw material composed of a first net and a second net, the net-like raw material being obtained by such a manner that both the nets having been woven in accordance with plane weaving manner wherein the longitudinal and transverse fibers cross at right angles are laminated in such a way that the weave pattern directions thereof intersect obliquely with each other; and a head sensor which is in contact with the center position of the under side in the head and detects percussion with respect to the head as electric signal.

Abstract: A percussive instrument comprises two shells, each having open ends. The shells are positioned substantially end to end. Drum heads are positioned at the opposing open ends and between the two shells.

Abstract: A snare drum snare-side drum head having regions of different vibratory characteristics, as by differing thicknesses, to produce a low-end, or darker, tone in association with the sharp, snap tone of the traditional snare drum.

Abstract: A two ply, synthetic drumhead for use in hand drums is created by using a laser to precisely remove excess material in the form of V-shaped notches from the peripheral portion of each layer disc of drumhead material prior to bonding and forming the drumhead sheet. After removal of the excess material, each layer disc has a peripheral edge consisting of equal size finger-like projections alternating with V-shaped notches. The layers are positioned so that the notches of one layer are covered by the projections of the other layer, producing a finished drumhead having a uniform exterior appearance and feel. The drumhead is tuned to duplicate the sound of a natural skin drumhead by positioning a damping element between the layer discs prior to bonding and assembly.

Abstract: A head of a drum or similar kind of musical instrument comprising a synthetic plastic sheet material containing surfaces with variegated color shadings to give the texture and appearance of a natural animal skin. A method of manufacture of the improved drumhead including the steps of fine sanding to produce minor surface scratches, and intensive sanding to produce deeper scoring or gouges in the top and bottom surfaces of the head. A coating of resin is applied to the surfaces and collects within the scratched and gouged areas to produce the variegated characteristics of a natural skin and manipulate the surface structure to provide vastly improved sound.

Abstract: The present invention is a drumming apparatus or percussion instrument used for drumming comprising a drum and drum sticks. The drum comprises a plastic bucket shaped shell covered with a soft felt material and each drum stick comprises a cylindrically shaped elongated member covered with a soft felt material. The combination of the drum and drum sticks provide a unique tone or sound which is suitable for home, school and other environments where certain drumming noises could be bothersome. Multiple sizes of the drum can be combined to produce many unique sounds and pitches. Further the drum can be fastened together in several configurations, with or without a stand to form a drumming apparatus or a drum set. The preferred method of attaching multiple drums is by use of a fastening system such as, for example, Velcro.TM.. Also, the drum apparatus, which is lightweight and portable, can be easily stacked and stored because of the bucket like shape of the drums.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a percussion detecting apparatus, which is excellent in percussion feeling, and the percussion sounds of which are very small, in electronic percussion instrumental system. The percussion detecting apparatus is provided with a head prepared from a net-like raw material composed of a first net and a second net, the net-like raw material being obtained by such a manner that both the nets having been woven in accordance with plane weaving manner wherein the longitudinal and transverse fibers cross at right angles are laminated in such a way that the weave pattern directions thereof intersect obliquely with each other; and a head sensor which is in contact with the center position of the under side in the head and detects percussion with respect to the head as electric signal.

Abstract: A double-headed musical percussion instrument comprises a quick removable substitute drum head mounted at one end of a drum shell and adapted to closely emulate the sound of a conventional drum while at the same time providing the structural rigidity required to transport other instruments inside of the drum shell. The invention further includes a quick removable support mechanism which is adapted to support a small bass drum in a raised position over the floor. The support mechanism also enables the adjustment of the axial position of a bass drum pedal assembly with respect to the bass drum thereby making the pedal action more comfortable to the user.

Abstract: In a percussion instrument, for example in the form of a tambourine, of bongos, congas or the like, with a resonance body open in particular on top, a skin being stretched over the upper opening and comprising a plastic film which is fixed at a constant tension by means of a clamping hoop, the skin being stretched directly over the resonance body, and the resonance body having an annular groove in the vicinity of the upper opening, and the clamping hoop being elastically widened and forced over the upper side of the resonance body into the annular groove, thus stretching the skin, it is provided that at least one nonwoven fabric is disposed in parallel to the at least one plastic film, the nonwoven also being stretched by the clamping hoop and not being joined to the plastic film by gluing.

Abstract: A sound attenuating drum head that comprises a support ring, a synthetic membrane carried by the ring, a thin coating extending in an annular direction on the membrane, and acting to attenuate vibration of the head, when struck.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a percussion detecting apparatus, which is excellent in percussion feeling, and the percussion sounds of which are very small, in electric percussion instrumental system. The percussion detecting apparatus is provided with a head prepared from a net-like raw material composed of a first net and a second net, and the net-like raw material being obtained by such a manner that both are nets having been woven in accordance with plane weaving manner wherein the longitudinal and traverse fibers cross at right angles are laminated in such a way that the weave patter directions thereof intersect obliquely with each other; and a head sensor which is in contact with the center position of the under side in the head and detects percussion with respect to the head as electric signal.

Abstract: A polymer film drumhead having indentations in the surface, the indentations placed strategically by size, number and placement near the periphery of the drumhead to control the vibrational characteristics and the overtone content of the drumhead when struck.

Abstract: There is a gel drumhead mechanically coupled to an mechanoelectrical transducer. The gel drumhead is constructed and arranged to present substantially the same resistive forces to drum sticks when struck presented by an acoustic drum correspondingly struck.

Abstract: A drum head (27) that is used for triggering electronic drums and that fits on a drum the same as an acoustic drum head fits and held on with a drum rim (33). A rubber pad (23) is adhered to a drum head (27) with a circular vibration board (12) adhered underneath leaving the drum head (27) in between. A transducer (14) adhered to the circular vibration board (12) senses the vibration when the pad is struck and transmits an electronic signal to a sound source by way of a cord (29). The cord (29) is plugged into a 1/4" jack (16) mounted on to an angled recessed 1/4" jack plate (25) which keeps the cord low and away from the playing surface.

Abstract: A head for a drum or similar musical instrument including a synthetic plastic sheet material laminated to a synthetic fabric material having a plurality of layers of randomly orientated individual fibers. An epoxy resin is applied to the synthetic fabric material for coating and sealing the surface, impregnating the layers of fibers and encapsulating each of the individual fibers to preclude delamination of the fibers when the head is subjected to the constant pounding of a drumstick or sweeping motion of a drum brush upon its striking surface.

Abstract: A drumhead for musical percussion instruments includes a synthetic polymer membrane secured to a ring-shaped tensioning hoop having a uniform cross-sectional shape in which is formed in the upper surface thereof a generally U-shaped channel. A positioning lip or ridge protruding downwards and inwards into the channel from the outer circumferential wall of the hoop limits upward movement of the outer vertically disposed annular wall of a peripheral hoop mounting section of the membrane which has been molded into a U-shaped cross section maintained by elastic memory, thereby precisely locating the membrane with respect to the hoop when the peripheral section of the membrane is inserted into the hoop channel.

Abstract: A drumhead and a method for construction of a drumhead that can easily be installed and removed from most kinds of instrument shells, particularly congas, and also can be employed with the shell without the usual requirement of a standard rim mounted counter-hoop. The drumhead comprises a multi-laminate drumming surface, an oblique oriented multi-laminate circumferential sidewall integrally formed with and disposed around the periphery of the drumming surface and a reinforced counter-hoop supporting shoulder component abutting the lower section of the sidewall. The annular shoulder, which is formed from a hardened liquid resin material, is reinforced with a ring or hoop-like metal shank, which is introduced into the liquid resin before the liquid cures.

Abstract: A passive radiator baffle which mounts to the side opposite the beater drumhead membrane side of acoustic drums and is used by musicians to enhance the live acoustic sound of these drum percussion instruments by adding low-frequency punch to their performance. This low-frequency response is achieved by selecting the mass of an acoustically suspended piston to provide tuning the drum enclosure to a selected frequency.

Abstract: A musical drum construction has a drum side wall comprising a relatively thin outer plastic shell or skin and a relatively thick inner foam plastic liner. The drum construction is of relatively light weight and is economical to manufacture. A fluctuating light source is provided in the drum to impart a glowing appearance to the drum exterior. Switch mechanisms on the drum respond to vibrational motion of the drum skin to control the light source, the light or lights going on and off at the frequency with which the drum skin is struck by a drumstick.

Abstract: A drumhead having a tone control ring which suppresses unwanted overtones while preserving the desirable fundamental tones. The tone control ring has its outside edge fixed to the drumhead hoop and extends along the inwardly facing surface of the drumhead sheet with its inside edge free to move and located inwardly of the bearing area of the drumhead. Small vent openings may be provided in the peripheral area or some other vibrational area of the drumhead to accelerate the decay of vibrations for further muffling of overtones. In an embodiment of the invention applicable to bass drums, the batterhead of the base drum is provided with an imperforate annular flap interposed loosely between the control ring and the drumhead for additional overtone suppression.

Abstract: A tuned-port rigid baffle panel which mounts to the side opposite the beater drumhead membrane side of acoustic drums and is used by musicians to enhance the live acoustic sound of these drum type percussion instruments by adding low-frequency punch to their performance. This low-frequency response enhancement is achieved by treating the drum as a bass-reflex enclosure and tuning the port of the rigid baffle panel to the appropriate percentage of the free-air resonant frequency of the beater drumhead membrane in order to control the peak amplitude of the beater drumhead membrane at resonance and extend the low-frequency response of the acoustic drum.

Abstract: A lamination comprising an upper fabric layer made of nonorientated polyester fibers, a lower plastic layer, and a substance which, when applied to the surface of the polyester fabric, creates a seal thereon and impregnates the material acting to further create a bond among and between the polyester fibers to preclude delamination of the fibers when the fabric surface is exposed to the constant pounding of drumsticks or the continuous circular and sweeping motion of a drum brush.

Abstract: The present invention provide for a drumhead, or the head of any percussion or related instrument, such as a tambourine, which includes a layer in which a hologram image is formed which incorporates a thin metal coating conforming substantially to the contours of the hologram, and a dark colored synthetic substrate, to which the bottom surface of the layer of film incorporating the hologram is laminated. The thin metal coating, often aluminum as the metal alloy of choice, is applied utilizing a process commonly known in the art as "metalizing", wherein the molecules of the metal are dispersed relatively evenly over a given surface by the decomposition of the metal in its gaseous form. The coating is deposited to a thickness that allows approximately 65% light transmission through the hologram forming film layer and enables the dark colored substrate beneath to enhance the dramatic and colorful light effects ultimately achieved by the invention.

Abstract: A drum having a top head ring, a top head across the top head ring, a tensioning ring above the top head ring and having a downwardly directed annular flange inward of the top head ring and contacting the top head, and tensioning bolts for adjustable positioning of the tensioning ring with respect to the top head ring is disclosed. There is also a bottom head ring, a bottom head across the bottom head ring, a shell beween the top head and the bottom head, and tensioning rods for pulling the bottom head ring towards the tensioning ring to thereby tension the bottom head across the bottom edge of the shell, and at least one snare mechanism positionable under each head, the snare mechanism including snare wires positionable from edge to edge of the heads.

Abstract: A tunable shell-less, rimless drum utilizes a multiplicity of tuning assemblies positioned about the frame of a pretensioned or untensioned standard drum head. Each tuning assembly engages the frame and avoids tone impairing deformation of the drum membrane during tuning so as to preserve the natural tonal quality of the drum. A pivotably mounted lever at the bottom of the tuning assembly bears against a tuning band which engages the drum membrane, and cooperating notches on tuning band and lever retain the tuning band in a fixed position relative to the frame to prevent pitch variation or binding due to tuning band movement. A threaded rod slides along a slot in the assembly and threadably engages a lock nut positioned within a nut confinement slot to prevent unwanted loosening of the rod. The invention provides a tunable, compact, lightweight, rimless drum which has tuning convenience and tonal quality superior to most large, heavy shell type drums.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an improved outer layer drumhead structure and more particularly a drumhead structure to prevent from loosening while beating, and to keep the tonality of drumbeat be more tight and accurate, of which the structure is confined by means of the arrangement of a drumhead tetoron cloth and a frame of aluminum rod and aluminum groove channel in a way that the drumhead tetoron cloth is encircled between the aluminum rod and the aluminum groove channel with the outer layer of the drumhead tetoron cloth extending to a reasonable distance along the curved surface so as to provide a better construction against beating and also to give a better tonality while beating.

Abstract: A device is provided for the attachment to the resonating membrane of a musical drum to overcome the ringing phenomenon associated with drum membranes fabricated of synthetic materials, and enhance the projected sound of the attack membrane. The device is comprised of a base portion and a ball portion. The base is attached to a circular opening cut into the resonating membrane and disposes the device within the drum with the larger distal end and directed toward the attack membrane. The device has an axis of symmetry which is vertically oriented to the resonating membrane. The internal periphery of the device, directed toward the axis, is fabricated of sound reflective material. The outside surface of the device is fabricated or porous sound absorbent material.

Abstract: A drumhead for percussion instruments having improved resistance against denting and damaging by drumstick impact includes a synthetic plastic film base sheet and a protective overlay adhered to the upper, impact surface of the base sheet. The protective overlay consists of two thin sheets of woven synthetic plastic cloth which are bonded together with their woof directions at right angles to form a cross-laminated overlay, which is bonded to the upper surface of the base sheet. In the preferred embodiment, the cross-laminated overlay consists of two circular discs of woven polyester fabric bonded together. Preferably, the upper surface of the upper disc is coated with a synthetic plastic material such as a vinyl compound to provide a crisp attack sound when impacted by a drumstick. The overlay is bonded to the upper central surface of the base sheet, providing an impact resistant surface while not degrading the overall sound quality of the drumhead.

Abstract: A drumhead which includes a polyester film having a marginal flange bonded in a channel presented by metal hoop. Fiber reinforced polyester resin is poured into the channel and embeds the edge of the drumhead flange upon hardening. An inturned lip on the outside wall of the channel provides an interference fit with the resin to securely hold it in the channel. The upper edge of the inside wall of the channel is beveled at the same angle as the drumhead flange to provide a flat surface for the drumhead to seal against. A special spring clip is applied within the channel to secure the butt joint between opposite ends of the hoop.

Abstract: The flexible diaphragm sheet of a drumhead of a drum as a musical instrument is apertured in a manner often done by drummers to enhance the sound emitted by the drum, but, in accordance with the invention, the aperture is rigidly framed about its defining margin to substantially reestablish the vibration integrity of the diaphragm and to protect it against splitting and cracking. Framing may be accomplished integrally with the diaphragm sheet in drum fabrication originally, or may be accomplished by securely clamping a frame in place about the defining margin of the aperture in existing drumheads or during fabrication of drumheads.

Abstract: A tear resistant drum head assembly (10) comprising a primary layer (11) of contiguous synthetic material (15) and a secondary layer (12) of scored synthetic material (15') secured within a rigid support member (13); wherein, the primary layer (11) is laminated to the secondary layer (12) and the scoring pattern (17) of the secondary layer (12) comprises at least one penetrating cut through the thickness of the secondary layer material (15'); wherein, the secondary layer synthetic material (15') resists tearing in a direction generally perpendicular to an edge of the material.

Abstract: A jazz drumhead characterized by comprising a stepped, curved buffer ring formed by compression moulding and set between the central part and circumferential part of the drumhead to make the central part 1-1.2 mm higher than the circumferential part so as to offer a tolerance of the radial tension of the drumhead to prolong its life, facilitate timbre adjusting and minimize noises.

Abstract: A drum head assembly for use in drums, tambourines, banjos, or the like. A polymeric film is stretched across an annular member having a U-shaped channel formed in cross-section along its edge. The film is stretched and forced into the channel by plug member and is adhesively bonded therein. The plug member extends above the channel and receives a second, similarly shaped annular member over its exposed edge to provide a finished surface as well as an easy means for attaching the assembly to a musical instrument shell.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-tunable head for a drum, banjo, tambourine, or similar musical instrument is described. A highly oriented crystalline polymeric film is immersed into a liquid solvent bath containing a halogenated methane compound until the film swells to become sufficiently soft so that it can be draped. The film is then removed from the solvent bath and preferably mechanically wiped to remove solvent remaining on its surface. The film is securely attached to an annular member before it dries, and is then dried by allowing the solvent to evaporate. As the film dries, it shrinks to substantially its original dimensions to provide a constant tension in the head. The heads formed by this method have sufficient tension to provide an effective musical tone without the utilization of clamping or stretching means which must be periodically readjusted to maintain a desired tension in the head.

Abstract: A laminated head for a drum or similar musical instrument comprising a synthetic plastic sheet material laminated to both sides of a synthetic fabric material woven from a fiber yarn, the fabric material being the primary tension load carrier. The synthetic woven fabric material is not impregnated by the adhesive resin composition employed in the lamination process in order to allow the individual fibers therein to move freely. The mobility of the individual fibers produces a damping effect which removes high overtones and allows the individual fibers to vibrate for a longer period of time. The laminated head thus achieves an improved sound while reducing incidents of bias fracture, thereby having a greater variety of uses in the music field.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-tunable head for a drum, banjo, tambourine, or similar musical instrument is described. A highly oriented crystalline polymeric film is immersed into a liquid solvent bath containing a halogenated methane compound until the film swells to become sufficiently soft so that it can be draped. The film is then removed from the solvent bath and preferably mechanically wiped to remove solvent remaining on its surface. The film is securely attached to an annular member before it dries, and is then dried by allowing the solvent to evaporate. As the film dries, it shrinks to substantially its original dimensions to provide a constant tension in the head. The heads formed by this method have sufficient tension to provide an effective musical tone without the utilization of clamping or stretching means which must be periodically readjusted to maintain a desired tension in the head.

Abstract: A drumhead ring reducer for minimizing objectionable drumhead ring, in which a body of porous pliable material, such as polyester foam, is disposed within the drum shell and reacts with the drum membrane. An adhesive layer is disposed on the body for attaching the body to the drum shell, and a protective layer covers the adhesive during packaging and distribution. The body may be of a single segment or of a plurality of segments, each in contact with the membrane and disposed adjacent each other around the inner surface of the drum shell. The bodies will remain attached to the shell and operate effectively with a replacement membrane if the original membrane is removed.

Abstract: A head for a drum or similar musical instrument comprising a synthetic plastic sheet material and a synthetic fabric material having a random fiber orientation which is laminated thereto. The synthetic plastic sheet material remains the primary tension load carrier while the fabric material having nonorientated fibers is laminated thereto to distribute load without transferring stress into the plastic sheet material, thereby reducing the tendency of the plastic sheet material to dent as well as damping undesirable overtones, and to provide an improved brush surface. The synthetic fabric material is preferably impregnated with a water-based resin emulsion system to insure that the nonorientated individual fibers are elastomerically bonded together, thereby increasing the fabric materials' intralaminar integrity and to further enhance the tone quality of the laminated head.

Abstract: An improved drum rim for a drum in which a portion of the periphery of the upright section of the rim is either omitted or substantially reduced.

Abstract: A composite drum head, comprising polyaramide fiber fabric impregnated with a rigidifying amount of epoxy polymer.

Abstract: A drumhead adapted for mounting on a musicians drum comprising a compound drumhead membrane of durable flexible stretch-resistant material having a center portion of predetermined thickness in an outer portion having a greater thickness than said center portion which provides an inexpensive way of producing a desirable large momentary increase in the pitch of a drum when the drum is struck a sharp blow with a drum stick and at the same time effecting a significant decrease in the decay time of the fundamental tone of the drum.

Abstract: A drumhead deadening device in which a body of porous, pliable material has an adhesive layer on one surface and the adhesive layer is used to attach the body to a drumhead membrane. An opening is disposed in the body to correspond with the preferred attack area of the drum membrane. When the device is secured to the membrane, the material with the opening therein does not substantially interfere with the initial vibrations induced when the drum membrane is struck by the drummer; however, the material does absorb the reflected vibrations which return toward the center of the drum after having been reflected by the rim of the drum, thus substantially minimizing the ringing phenomenon associated with synthetic drumheads. The body may be annular, or of other shapes, and in a variety of different colors.